NORTHUMBRIAN MUSIC
NIGHTS
What we said about
Srideag
Srideag at the King's Head
Isn't it great to listen to super bands, and we've heard quite a few over the years at the King's Head and other stages in Allendale, but live music really thrives when new musicians get the chance to grow into the scene.
So it was a pleasure to welcome newcomers Srideag [pronounced Straddick] in the guest slot at the intimate function room last Friday, for some time-honoured songs. It was great to hear a new emerging voice.
Jen Golding has the rich lower register, and just the right bell-like quality in the upper regions, to claim the right to cover titles like 'Star of the Country Down', 'No Man's Land', and 'Crazy Man Michael'. I liked her own version of 'Summertime' too. Accompanied most affectingly on recorder and whistle by Bill Pikett, and with alternating strums on six and twelve string guitar by Jim Lewis and Ian Glendinning, Jen moved convincingly into 'Miracle Time' . After a laugh or two from Ian, Srideag returned to the classic 'Slip Jigs and Reels', and 'Bonnie Dundee' before assaying a specially haunting 'Sailing Boat' by Anna Ryder. A moving performance to which Bill's recorder added an urgent sense of piquancy.
'Maids when you're young' with Jen's soaring voice brought back the laughter, and 'Mairi's Wedding' was a good sing-along number, after the plaintive 'Who knows where the time goes?'. There is undeniable talent in this band, with enjoyable renditions of songs we know and love, and good musicality to go with it.
